[Written] And now for something completely different from the last time

[fierybluebird]

Marco here.

Sorry for my state in the last post, and thank you very much to those sweet enough to humor me, you're too kind.

Bepo, and Vyse, I have duplicates of my maps for you, assuming you both still want them.

For everyone else, I've made about twenty copies of various maps and directions to the Corsair Naval Masquerade Ball. Likewise, in the interest of furthering piracy rebelling against lawful order, I will teach the basics of ranks to anyone with enough brains to actually hold the knowledge. Remember, if you want to go, wear formal costume, and pretend to be part of the navy. Anyone in the Spades wishing to help infiltrate must be able to perform a correct salute and demonstrate ability to discern when it's appropriate. Those who cannot may help infiltrate as waiters.

Thank you.
- Marco

Edited Addendum: Dance lessons for Spades unfamiliar with waltz, samba, and tango will be held every night this week. Namur's breakdance competition comes with a reward, but this style of dance is not acceptable for naval officers, sorry Nam-chan.

[Locked to Nico Robin]

I am embarrassed to say I have about three favors to ask of you.

[Locked to Grell Sutcliff]

Hello Kitten. How do you feel about getting a little vengeance, eh?

[Locked to Sebastian]

My phoenix brother and I are in the mood to spread our wings. Think you can get a babysitter that night to come have fun?

Comments

written;

[windofthephoenixtemple]

I'd be interested in learning all about the ranks of the navy.

written;

[fierybluebird]

In my world it went:

Chore boy
Recruit
Apprentice
Seaman First Class
Petty Officer -- or PO3 for 3rd class, kind of like a karate belt
Chief Petty Officer -- or CPO
Master Chief Petty Officer -- MCPO
Warrant Officer
Ensign
Lieutenant Jr.
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
Commodore
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral
Fleet Admiral

And finally the Commander-in-chief who was also in charge of shichibukai -- pirates who agreed to work for the government in exchange for removal of their bounties -- and Cipher Police all intelligence ranks.

Here we have spotted Captains and Admirals. No one less than a petty officer would be invited to such a high notice function, and any vice admiral or higher would get a lot of attention.

Lieutenants can be in charge of their own ships and other officers and sailors, but they are always overseen by at least a Captain.

It's also all like poker hands.

written;

[windofthephoenixtemple]

That is quite a bit of information that you have there, some of which could be rather useful.

I'll make note of all of this and see when it might be of use later. Thank you.

written;

[fierybluebird]

Ensign and up in my world can wear the justice emblem jacket on their back, Captains can have a lot more free reign with their personal alterations, and Rear Admirals and up have tassels on the shoulders.

written;

[windofthephoenixtemple]

So people like that back home were much easier to notice with things like that.

Which makes me wonder if things like this were normal in your world? It explains why you know so much?

written;

[fierybluebird]

The navy here uses at least similar rankings and identifying markers.

And it's very normal back in my world, correct. I wouldn't consider myself that knowledgeable, however, I've just been at this for a lot of years.

written;

[windofthephoenixtemple]

To me you are very knowledgeable especially in an area I know very little about.

written;

[fierybluebird]

I'm hoping to learn more, actually.

{Locked to Marco.}

[mephistophilus]

Of course. Where shall I meet you?

{Locked}

[fierybluebird]

You should be able to take one of our two Navs to come join us the night of, but otherwise if you're familiar with Miss Grell, she should be able to help you make arrangements, and barring that, I'll meet you just outside the Harbor before we even go in.

[reluctantjinrou]

Is dancing really required?

1/2

[fierybluebird]

It is.

But it's not hard and you're a quick study.

[Locked] 2/2

[fierybluebird]

Also Robin says to talk to her personally about books, but she seems perfectly willing to share.

[Locked]

[reluctantjinrou]

I didn't say it was difficult, I just don't care for it. It isn't really my thing.

I don't believe I know Robin, actually. I'll have to keep an eye on the journal then.

[Locked]

[fierybluebird]

You can be a waiter then if you'd like.

You can send her a message through this page if you want. I'm negotiations with her now [Is that what they call it these days?] so either I'll be visiting the Straw Hats for a few days or she'll be coming here, yoi.

[Locked]

[reluctantjinrou]

I might be better suited in that role. I'm not certain my dancing skills would work.

I'll backtrack a bit and find her and introduce myself.

[Locked]

[fierybluebird]

Duly noted. I'm going to be doing a little hunting, but keep on the lookout for trouble, eh?

Thanks. She might seem icy at first, but that's my fault. I have a bad habit of putting her in a rough mood sometimes. She'll warm up before you know it.

[Locked]

[reluctantjinrou]

I can live just fine with icy, not to worry about that. I don't get offended easily.

I'll keep my eyes open. I'm in good shape at the moment, senses are sharp.

[heartismyown]

What are we infiltrating for?

[fierybluebird]

Whatever possible.

[heartismyown]

That doesn't really tell me anything.

[fierybluebird]

[Right, he knows Roxas hates that.]

[All right, how can he sum it up.]

I can't tell everything on the journal, but come to my office and I'll give you another letter and answer as many questions as I can, okay? I promise on my Spade mark.

[Action]

[heartismyown]

Okay, I'll be there soon.

[It takes about fifteen minutes because Roxas was a little busy, and he's not as used to crossing the ships as others, but here he is on the Sun, knocking on Marco's door.]

Hello?

[Action]

[fierybluebird]

Hey kid.

[Flags him down and hands over a blue sparkle covered envelope.]

Take a seat if you want. Or you can stand. [Marco though, is gonna stay at his desk, though he does move sideways in the chair, thinking hard and leaning both on the back of the chair and his desk in turn.]

We're looking primarily for information. If we can find out what the marines -- sorry, Navy, knows about us, we can guard against them better. Then we can figure out what to slip them to make them trip up. And if we can find out more about how they do things here, that's a big deal.

That said, I think we're all a bit upset about the last battle. I'm planning to invite the other captain, Grell, so she can do a bit of her own thing, but I know everyone in the crew wants to hit them back in our own way. Selphie and Leanne are going to help me figure out which navy is which, and Espio was tortured and starved by those guys, so I'm not completely sure what he wants to get from them, but I told him I'd trust his judgement. Whatever looks worthwhile to him. [Spreads his hands with a shrug. For all he knows Espio is really going to steal their vegetables, and that is genuinely fine with him. Boosts local economy when they have to get more, and saves the pirates having to get some.] We're pirates, so I'm not going to order anyone to do something they don't want to, eh?

Is there anything in particular you want to do?

[Action]

[heartismyown]

[Roxas sits, he's not against it after all. He listens, nodding a little. Reconnaissance isn't unfamiliar to him, although it's been awhile. As he listens, he looks serious, but when Marco asks him what he wants to do, he's surprised.]

Uh, well, I don't know.

[He ponders it. He doesn't really have anger towards the Navy, it's not really personal for him. He knows it's not the kind of place he's gone into before. He isn't sure he could answer questions about the Navy or serving.]

Well, wouldn't I just have to get in?